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I'm looking for some expert advice here regarding transition strips between rooms or different flooring.

My understanding is that if you are going from one room to another but it is all the same flooring, you still need a transition strip.
Is this correct?
So if I was going from my kitchen to dining room with all hardwood, I would still need a transition strip between both rooms.

What if I was going from flooring to bare concrete/slab? How does that work?
I'm putting flooring in the basement. When I get to the utility closet, do I need a reducer at the end?

I'm looking for some expert advice here regarding transition strips between rooms or different flooring.

My understanding is that if you are going from one room to another but it is all the same flooring, you still need a transition strip.
Is this correct?No. The only reason you would need a "transition strip" is because the flooring was started at two different places- and when they "meet" at a door opening the space is < or > a single wood strip. So, as long as the flooring is started on one wall and carried all the way through there's no need for the strip. Even if the floor joists change direction, you still have the tongue to work off of.
So if I was going from my kitchen to dining room with all hardwood, I would still need a transition strip between both rooms.

What if I was going from flooring to bare concrete/slab? How does that work?Generally, my hardwood guy would make his own trans-strip by ripping a 45 angle on the finish side. That's for true 3/4" site finished HW. If your talking 1/4" engineered, they make trans-strips specifically for that situation.
I'm putting flooring in the basement. When I get to the utility closet, do I need a reducer at the end?

You may be confusing laminate flooring with regular or engineered hardwood that is fastened to the floor.
Most manufacturers recommend when installing laminate that transition strips like "T" molding be installed in all the doorways.This is due to the expansion of the product which can lead to the floor buckling.
Regular nailed down hardwood or engineered hardwood do not need transition strips in doorways when joining the same.

As far as the other transition strips you may need, the company that makes the product you purchase will have what you need,most of the time.Reducers for wood to vinyl or cement.One for wood to carpet.ETC.
Have someone from a flooring company come out and measure your floors and look over everything.They should give you the best advice.

In order to have a reducer (or even just need a reducer) your floor will need to be higher than the other side. Which in your case it sounds like it will be. As said above if you are buying engineered flooring then you can purchase the reducer specifically made for it.

You may be confusing laminate flooring with regular or engineered hardwood that is fastened to the floor.
Most manufacturers recommend when installing laminate that transition strips like "T" molding be installed in all the doorways.This is due to the expansion of the product which can lead to the floor buckling.

Sorry for leaving out what flooring I was looking at.

Yes, I will be working with laminate flooring in the basement.

When I went to Lowes for flooring, the sale rep informed that I would need a transition strip between every room even if it is all the same flooring.

When you went to Lowes for flooring, you talked to someone who was selling garden supplies the week before, and probably appliances the week before that. Get in touch with an actual flooring installer, and talk to them about it.

When I went to Lowes for flooring, the sale rep informed that I would need a transition strip between every room even if it is all the same flooring.

...
Jedi.The Lowes guy is correct.
There has been a lot of trouble with the expansion of laminate and the resulting buckling that the manufactures decided to save their butts.That is why most all now say to install "t" molding in all doorways.It takes the pressure off the expansion.
That being said, I have installed plenty without using the "T" transition strips in the doorways and have not had any trouble although I have seen other jobs where they did have trouble.
If you are having it installed in multiple rooms and really large areas I would recommend using the "T" moldings.
If it is just two or three rooms and a hallway and the overall area is not large you may get by without installing them.You will need to get on the installer and make sure they leave plenty of room between the laminate and the baseboard.May work may not.Talk to the installer and get their feel.Also remember the warranty will not cover if you don't go by their guidelines but hey,you have to make you happy.

I just want to comment on the first picture. The flooring was installed wrong. The tile should be further into the doorway. You shouldn't be able to see the wood flooring when the door is closed. To get the proper placement, draw an invisible line when the door is closed. That's where the flooring should change.

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